Good vibes flow at Newmarket meditation center

NEWMARKET — Positive vibes were flowing at the Aryaloka Buddhist Retreat Center on Tuesday as ordained Buddhists and those looking to clear their minds meditated for a peaceful New Year.

Meditations, which began at 6 a.m. and continued until 6 p.m., were both guided, by ordained Buddhists, and unguided as groups of people sat silently in the meditation hall.

By NICK GOSLING

fosters.com

By NICK GOSLING

Posted Jan. 3, 2008 at 3:15 AM
Updated Jan 3, 2008 at 8:22 PM

By NICK GOSLING

Posted Jan. 3, 2008 at 3:15 AM
Updated Jan 3, 2008 at 8:22 PM

NEWMARKET — Positive vibes were flowing at the Aryaloka Buddhist Retreat Center on Tuesday as ordained Buddhists and those looking to clear their minds meditated for a peaceful New Year.

Meditations, which began at 6 a.m. and continued until 6 p.m., were both guided, by ordained Buddhists, and unguided as groups of people sat silently in the meditation hall.

Frank Gladu has practiced meditating since 2004.

He said the reason behind the fourth annual Meditate for Peace Day was to bring in the New Year on a good note.

"To start the year that way is the intention and the focus," said Gladu about Tuesday's event. "And to encourage peace in the world — the world could use a little more peace."

Robert Jerome said the benefits of meditation are numerous.

"It sounds funny sitting in one spot and doing nothing, but you're actually slowing down your thought process so you can think clearly," said Jerome in the domed lounge area of the Retreat Center. "I know through my practice, I've been doing it for a year, and when I'm not doing it, I fall back into society's rat race... It helps you get a lot more out of life."

Jerome said by slowing down a person's thought process through meditation, it allows them to collect their thoughts.

Gladu said other benefits include peace of mind, self control, insight and stress reduction.

"I think it sets an intention for the year," he said about Tuesday's event. "It's a good place to start."

Not to mention it helps a person have a better attitude and feel energized, added Jerome.

Amala, an ordained member of the Friends of Western Buddhist Order, said about 28 ordained members from all over New England practice at the Aryaloka Center.

"It seems like a good message to give to a community at the beginning of a New Year that at least some of us are putting the thoughts of peace and kindness first," she said about Tuesday's event. "Meditation, one of the biggest things, is that it enables us to cultivate inner calm and integrate ourselves so that we have less struggle in our lives."

In addition, said Amala, it allows people to actively cultivate valuable qualities like compassion, kindness and generosity.